Man Arrested After Police Officer Shot

Police in North Belfast have arrested a 36 year old man following the shooting of a police officer on Crumlin Road.

Around 7.30pm on Sunday, 22 January, a number of shots were fired at a filling station. A police officer sustained two bullet wounds to his arm and was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening and his condition is described as stable.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “We are hopeful that our officer will make a full recovery but this is a deeply shocking event, something that will take him some time to recover from.

“These were two community police officers, going about community policing roles that the community needs them to do and they have been violently attacked.

“I utterly condemn this.

“This is the first shooting attack upon police for some time. It is totally unnecessary, appalling and should be condemned by all sides of the community. This was not just an attack upon police, it was very clearly an attack upon the community. Other lives could easily have been lost.

“This was reckless madness.

“I can assure the community of North Belfast that every resource we have has been turned to find the people responsible and bring them to justice. I would ask them for their help and support as we conduct our investigation.

“We would like to hear from anyone who noticed an Audi-type vehicle opposite the filling station around 7.30pm or anyone who has information that could help our investigation. You can contact us on 101.”

The 36 year old man remains in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.

Caption: ACC Mark Hamilton briefs media following the shooting of a police officer on Crumlin Road.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that will assist the investigation to contact us on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.